State Senator Eugene Yaw | Pennsylvania
State Senator Eugene Yaw | Pennsylvania
State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), State Rep. Clint Owlett (R-68), State Rep. Joe Hamm (R-84), and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield visited flood-affected areas in Tioga and Lycoming counties earlier this week. The flooding was caused by the remnants of Hurricane Debby, which passed through the region on Friday.
“The damage left behind by the storms and flooding is devastating,” Yaw said. “The resilience and determination of the people here is truly inspiring, and in the face of overwhelming destruction, our first responders have shown extraordinary courage and dedication. Rep. Owlett, Rep. Hamm, and I are committed to ensuring that state resources are swiftly mobilized to support recovery efforts. We will work together with PEMA and local officials to rebuild stronger and safer communities.”
“Knowing this community as I do, we should not be surprised by the strength of the response, but it is something we must never take for granted,” Owlett said. “Our fire and EMS providers are almost exclusively volunteers. They have given so much of their time to train for disasters like this, and for the last several days they have put that training into practice, giving hope and saving lives.”
“Although the losses from the recent flooding events have been extensive, the great people of Lycoming and Tioga Counties are strong and resilient,” Hamm said. “Our local volunteer first responders have been incredible and have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors in need.”
While flood waters have receded, attention now turns to relief and recovery efforts. At the request of county emergency management officials, PEMA deployed a 19-member multi-agency Incident Management Team (PA-IMT) to assist with recovery operations.
The PA-IMT consists of personnel from PEMA, Pennsylvania State Police, Departments of Corrections, Conservation and Natural Resources, and Health. The team began operations yesterday; its deployment will last one week but may be extended if necessary.
Officials encourage residents affected by the flood to document damages extensively with photos. Those who haven't reported damages should contact their respective county's Emergency Operations Center: Tioga County at 570-724-9110; Lycoming County at 570-433-4461; or Potter County Department of Emergency Services at 814-274-8900 ext. 555.
Following their tour, lawmakers praised community members for donating food, water, and cleaning supplies to those affected by floods. They also reiterated advocacy for policy changes aimed at better creek maintenance to minimize future flooding impacts.
Last session saw legislative advancements toward continuous maintenance permits for municipalities or PennDOT lasting at least ten years among other measures; however, these did not become law.
For more information on state-related news:
Senator Gene Yaw’s website: www.SenatorGeneYaw.com
Rep Clint Owlett’s website: www.RepClintOwlett.com
Rep Joe Hamm’s website: www.RepJoeHamm.com
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel (Sen. Yaw): 717-787-3280
Patricia Hippler (Rep Owlett): 717-772-9846
Erik Houser (Rep Hamm): 570-546-2084
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